Motability

How it Works

Motability is a national charity that was founded in 1977 to help disabled people, as well as their families and carers, become mobile. As one of the founding manufacturers of the programme, Ford Mobility is delighted to have supplied over half a million Motability vehicles to date and currently has over 150 model derivatives available.

We know that having a car can give you the freedom of independence. At County Garage, we can also provide you with real freedom of choice. We offer an extensive range of award-winning cars that deliver versatility and roominess without compromising on performance, driveability or style.

Motability's Contract Hire plan gives you:

Over 150 Ford models to choose from

Comprehensive Insurance, servicing and maintenance included

Full RAC breakdown assistance

Annual tax disc

Tyre and windscreen replacement

60,000 mileage allowance over 3 years

Many adaptations at no extra cost

You don’t have to drive – you can nominate up to two drivers and pay a little extra for a third

Our worry-free policy continues right to the end of your three-year lease with a seamless transfer to your new car.

War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement (WPMS) - currently £64.15 per week.

If you choose to lease a car through Motability's Contract Hire scheme you must have at least 12 months' award length remaining. Only the higher or enhanced rate of the mobility allowance is used.

Do you need to have a driving licence?

If you opt for a Motability lease agreement you do not need to drive. You can nominate up to two drivers who may be friends or relatives, and parents or carers can apply on behalf of a child aged three years and upwards.

Only one nominated driver under 21 is permitted. This can be you or another driver who lives at your address. Drivers under the age of 25 can only drive cars in the lower ABI insurance groups of one to 16 and with a brake horsepower rating of 115BHP or less.

Please bear in mind that proposed drivers with certain convictions, disqualifications or endorsements within the last five years may not be eligible to be a nominated driver.

Nominated drivers should normally live within five miles of the disabled customer's address. You’ll also need to confirm that all proposed drivers agree to the terms and conditions for using a Motability car.

Checking your eligibility

If you would like assistance checking whether you are eligible for either the Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Armed Forces Independence Payment or the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement, you should contact one of the following agencies:

For enquiries about the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) please contact Pensions, Disability & Carers Service on 08457 123456 or visit the Directgov website.

Our Service to You

At County Garage Ford we pride ourselves on ensuring you fully understand how the scheme works, as well as making the process as simple as possible. Order and collect your vehicle in three easy steps, along with our assistance in ensuring you find a suitable car for your needs.

Suitable Car

We assist in finding you a suitable car within our range, arrange a test drive and make sure you feel it is going to be comfortable for you for the next 3 years. We can also discuss any adaptations to the vehicle that will help you get the most from vehicle and value your current car if you are not already on the scheme.

Complete an application

If you are satisfied that we have the right vehicle for you, the next stage is for us to complete an online application. All we need to achieve this is the following information from you:

Your driving licence and/or driving licences for any other named drivers

Your letter of award entitlement

Proof of address, such as a recent utility bill

You will also be asked to provide details of any previous accidents and driving convictions that you, or your named drivers, may have. We then submit this to Motability and they complete a few basic checks based on the information you supply.

Collect the vehicle

Once Motability have completed their checks and your chosen vehicle is available for collection, we will contact you to make the final arrangements. When you collect the vehicle will thoroughly explain everything you need to know and how we can assist in managing the vehicles maintenance requirements over the 3 years.

Additional benefits

With County Garage Ford you get the additional benefits:

Over 150 model derivatives to choose from, many with nil advance payment

Can I Part Exchange?

If you’re new to the Motability scheme you may already have a vehicle that is surplus to requirements.

Whatever you are currently driving, we are able to ensure you a very competitive valuation.

We work hard to find you the best price and very often have buyers waiting for cars we have taken into stock. This coupled with a network of established buyers throughout the UK allows us to offer you just that little bit more than many dealers.

For a free valuation, please click here and we will respond as promptly as we can.

Adaptations

Selecting you car is only part of the story. The Motability Adaptation Programme has made it easier than ever to choose the adaptations which are perfect for you - often at no additional cost.

Adaptations are devices that can be fitted to a vehicle so that driving is safer and more comfortable, and getting in and out of the car is made easier. There are a number of adaptations available, many for no extra cost, which could improve your motoring experience. The following lists some areas of the vehicle where adaptations are offered.

Speed and steering

Signalling and safety

Stowage

Seating and access

If you think you may benefit from an adaptation in your new car, Motability’s Managed Adaptations Programme offers a wide variety of options that could make your driving experience more comfortable. The Programme takes away the hassle of organising adaptations by us managing the process for you from start to finish.

Motability now offer an even wider range of adaptations that are even more affordable so that you can adapt your car to suit your needs. We will ensure any adaptations required are completed before you collect your new car.

Motability FAQ

What is an advance payment?

As vehicles get more expensive, your HRMC-DLA, PIP, AFIP or WPMS may not contribute enough towards the value of the vehicle and pricing that Ford and Motability have agreed. When this happens it may be necessary to pay an advance payment.

Will I get my advance payment back at the end of my car lease?

No you won’t. However, in the Ford range there are normally about 20 per cent of vehicles available with a nil advance payment.

What are the benefits of leasing a car through Motability as opposed to buying one privately?

Leasing a car from Motability provides an all-inclusive package designed to give you worry-free motoring. With a new car every three years, the lease also includes insurance, servicing and maintenance, RAC breakdown cover, tyre replacement and windscreen repair. All you need to budget for is fuel.

I’d like to add a young driver to my Motability scheme insurance policy.

Only one nominated driver under 21 is permitted. This can be you or another driver who lives at your address. Drivers under the age of 25 can only drive cars in the lower ABI insurance groups of one to 16 and with a brake horsepower rating of 115BHP or less.

Parking and reversing are getting more difficult for me because I can’t turn to look round.

With all Ford vehicles supplied by County Garage Ford, parking sensors are fitted to all Motability vehicles as standard.

I have chosen the car I want, what do I do next?

Once you have chosen your car bring in your driving licence (and/or the licences of your nominated drivers), your letter of award entitlement and proof of your address (such as a recent utility bill). We will take care of everything else for you.

Do I need to make an appointment to test drive a car?

You don’t, but if we know you are coming we can briefly discuss what type of vehicle is of interest to you and have it ready to demonstrate to you when you arrive.

Personal Independence Payments (PIP) Information

As part of welfare reform, the Government has started to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) with a new beneift called Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for people aged between 16 and 64.

PIP Information

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) award PIP based upon their assesment of an individual’s ability to carry out a range of everyday activities. The eligibility criteria for PIP is different from those for DLA today and existing DLA recipients will not automatically be transferred across to PIP. This means that even if you already receive DLA, you will need to make a claim for the new benefit when the DWP invites you to do so at some point between now and 2018. The DWP will then access your claim and decide what level of PIP benefit you should receive. If you disagree with this assesment, there is an appeal process.

Meet the Team

What our Customers Say

My experience at County Garage Ford was cracking because the salesman Robert was very good ; not at all 'pushy'. explained everything well, good test drive; convinced me this was the car,.

Mrs Gillian Stevenson

I'd recommend County Garage Ford to a friend because the staff was so helpful

Mr Paul Forde

I would recommend County Garage Ford to friends and family because I found they treat the customer as an individual, being attentive to the customers needs to find the perfect car for them. The salesman explained everything thoroughly and clearly where no question was too small. Aftercare service was also excellent which is the reason why every car I have purchased has been from County Garage.

Mrs Kathryn Bryant

County Garage Ford were really helpful and I'd recommend them because nothing is too much trouble. A very friendly family firm with a real customer service ethos.

Mr Trevor Fermor

The staff at County Garage Ford were good because you are always kept fully informed of progress and nothing is ever to much trouble even following delivery if you are as bad at modern technology as both my husband and I.

Mrs Frances Deane

My experience at County Garage Ford was memorable because I received excellent service

Mr M

The staff at County Garage Ford were good because of the helpful and positive attitude towards customers. All in all a good experience in the whole car buying process.

Mr Peter Traveller

I had a great experience at County Garage Ford because the team are very friendly, helpful, remember your name, not pushy. Great as always!

Mr Mark Tarrant

The experience at County Garage Ford was fantastic because they always go out of their way to help.

Mrs Emma Larkins

County Garage Ford were helpful because they found the exact vehicle I was looking for

Mr Graham Collins

I'd definitely recommend County Garage Ford because yes very good service

Mr John Hougham

My experience at County Garage Ford was memorable because they where very professional and friendly and took there time to explain the right finance for me and handing over the car to me was a real pleasure thank you again Darren and the team at County garage

Mr Christopher Morris

I had a great experience at County Garage Ford because my husband bought a Ford Focus on finance from them a few weeks before and recommended them to me, even though I wanted a VW. Darren, the salesman managed to quickly find a car that exceeded my husband's requirements and suggested I contact him to book a test drive.. I want looking to it but once in the showroom and chatting to Darren, he was so knowledgable, friendly and relaxed that I didn't feel like I was being 'sold to'. I would recommend County Garage to my friends.

Mrs Deborah Bristow

I was pleased with County Garage Ford and would recommend them because I think they were very professional and not too pushy

Mrs Anne Williams

County Garage Ford were great because of their excellent customer service and excellent knowledge of the product and services.

Mr Gabriel I

I could not praise Darren at County Garage more, the customer service was 2nd to none. Darren was happy to spend as much time as we wanted explaining our options, answering questions or looking/test driving cars from the moment we walked into the showroom up until and beyond the purchase of our new car. I would highly recommend county garage to anyone looking to purchase their next car.

Mr Lavender

The experience at County Garage Ford was great because as always, the complete experience was second to none.

Mr Gary Tong

I was happy with the service at County Garage Ford because their service is always exemplary. Nothing is a problem for them. Will recommend them to everyone and anyone I know!

Mr Jamie Lawrence

County Garage Ford were fantastic because it’s a small friendly very good family dealership run by gentleman.

Mr John Woodward

I'd endorse County Garage Ford because Darren Baker the sales man & his team are excellent. He fully understood our needs as a family & ensured that we purchased the appropriate car to suit our needs. There was no hard sell. He ensured we had all the information we required to make an informed choice on the models of car & finance packages available to us. We have now purchased two cars from Darren & will do so again if & when we require another car in the future. Very happy.

Mr Gary Toner

I'd recommend County Garage Ford to a friend because they were all helpfull from start

Mr Colin Chamberlain

County Garage Ford were helpful because they had the car I was looking for at a good price. Greig was fantastic from taking me for the test drive to handing over the car to me on the date set. They are not pushy there trying to sell you more services with the car, like another local dealership that has more branches and closer to my home in Ramsgate! I will definitely be buying our next car from them!

Mr Martin Miles

I was pleased with County Garage Ford and would recommend them because they where very good from start to finish

Mr Jeffery Baskerville

County Garage Ford were really helpful and I'd recommend them because they are always very welcoming and treat you like a friend and great help explaning all options and design of car

Mr Phillip Denny

I had a great experience at County Garage Ford because they are very attentive and nothing is ever too much trouble they are consummate professionals too.

Miss Elisabeth Pirt

The experience at County Garage Ford was good because we were looked after from the moment we arrived, warm drinks, lots of communication, explanations. We were treated as valued customers who will return for a further vehicle in the future. A great garage with friendly experienced people. Greig was very efficient from the first appointment to the handover, and contacted us after as well. And not forgetting the new car - very pleased with it!

Mrs Rachel Sayer

The experience at County Garage Ford was good because it didn’t feel rushed or pressurised ! a more personal experience!

Mr Simon O'Grady

County Garage Ford were really helpful and I'd recommend them because you get a personal and friendly service often lacking in this sector

Mr Brealy Peter

County Garage Ford were great because they are friendly, knowledgeable and go out of their way to assist you in any way. The complete package.

Mr S

County Garage Ford were great because everyone is extremely friendly and helpful.